Khala Mdumbadumbane ~ A Timeless Performance Cherished by Many!
By Anele Shabangu
In as much as digital technology in Eswatini has been improved, EBIS radio is also our window to the world. It doesn't just inform us—it entertains us, educates us and unites us. It is a trusted companion on long taxi rides, in busy market stalls and during quiet evenings in the homestead.
EBIS gives us more than content—it gives us connection. And at the heart of it all, were the legendary shows that shaped not just our mornings and afternoons, but the very fabric of our society.
In this blog, I take you back to those golden days—when radio ruled the kingdom, and EBIS shows weren’t just popular, they were a part of who we were.
So, lovers of the airwaves, this blog today is not just about old programs, it's about the moments they created. The voices that shaped us and the stories that stitched us as a nation.
The Birth of a National Treasure!!
After some time, Jim Gama teamed up with Marwick Khumalo. Though their collaboration was brief, it was a steppingstone in the evolving legacy of the show.
Then came a dynamic pairing which was Jim Gama and Bongani Dlamini, popularly known as Sgcokosiyancinca. Their energy on-air was electric, compassionate and deeply in tune with the issues facing the Swazi public. They didn’t just talk about problems—they felt them, unpacked them and offered insight through humor, culture and truth.
You can also click here to watch the podcast.
The Heart of the Show: Love, Culture, and Conversation!!
The show focused heavily on Swazi people’s love lives and social challenges, diving into matters that were often considered as taboo in traditional settings such as infidelity, heartbreak, marriage troubles, family disputes, and the clash between modern love and traditional customs.
Mdumbadumbane helped people with similar problems which clearly show that indeed the show was therapy, tradition, and connection all wrapped into one.
Cultural respect in the show was the show’s core! Swazi customs and values were honored, explained, and debated with care. In a society where emotions often go unspoken, Khala Mdumbadumbane became a microphone for the heart.
Wasn't that such a wonderful phenomenon?
How Was the Show Structured?
The program aired every Tuesday at 21:15, focusing specifically on love and relationship issues. It also played on Thursdays at 10:15 AM for those who missed it.
Then came the Sunday segment at 20:15, which ran for 45 minutes. This was the broader part of the show, blending both love stories and other societal issues. The repeat aired on Fridays at 10:15 AM.
Listeners wrote in via traditional mail (post office) and, later on, through the advancement of tecnology, SMSes were used. This made the lives of the listeners much easier as they were able to write and send their concerns conviniently while listening to the show.
New Voices, Same Spirit!
When Jim Gama sadly passed on, leaving behind a voice that once echoed across the kingdom, Moses Matsebula, also known as "Mthetho kaMose", took over and honored Jim’s legacy with grace and authority.
Later on, Sgcoko Siyancinca took the over, with Mgunda Tjani co-hosting the show in reading the listener's letters. Their chemistry was refreshing, and the show maintained its edge and emotional depth.
Together, they led the show for an impressive six-year run, which was a testament to the trust and love people had for Khala Mdumbadumbane.
Impact: Why This Show Mattered?
To the People:
The show became a mirror to the society—a place where people saw their struggles reflected and normalized. It offered comfort, advice, cultural grounding, and even laughter in times of pain. For some, it was the only space where they could “talk,” even if it was through SMSs.
To EBIS:
It wasn’t just a program; it was a treasure. The audience loyalty, national relevance, and emotional pull of Khala Mdumbadumbane brought more ears to EBIS than many programs ever could. It proved that content rooted in culture and community never goes out of style.
But then... It Fell Silent
So, like many great things, Khala Mdumbadumbane eventually came to an end. No formal farewell, no big announcement. It simply faded from the schedule—a quiet ending to a loud legacy.
Will It Ever Return?
In a world bursting with digital noise, there’s something sacred about the simplicity and sincerity that Khala Mdumbadumbane offered. Perhaps it’s time for EBIS to consider a revival. Not just for the old, but for people's needs. Because in every generation in Eswatini, people still need to be heard.
So, what was your favorite memory of the show? Did it ever help you through something tough?
Share your stories in the comments—or tag us on social media using #KhalaMdumbadumbaneLivesOn!
Let’s keep the legacy alive!
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